Commentary: Army Reserve at 98 is still ready, responsive
By Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly
April 18, 2006
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Apr. 18, 2006) -- On April 23, the Army Reserve turns 98 years old. But instead of being an aging relic of the 20th century, the Army Reserve is, at the ripe old age of 98, a changed, responsive and still-changing force, increasingly ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Birthdays are about change, maturing and progression. The Army Reserve has endured change since its birth, always adapting itself to the challenges and realities of the time. From World War I, through World War II, Korea, the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm and this current Global War on Terrorism, Army Reserve Soldiers have served our nation with distinction, skill and professionalism.
Since the beginning of this war on September 11, 2001, the Army Reserve has undertaken deep and profound change – more so than at any time in its history. We have had to turn away from what we’ve thought were the tried and true methods of conducting warfare -- our terrorist enemy has reminded us that change is necessary and inevitable.
This new enemy reminds us that the linear battlefield no longer exists. They enforce the adage that size does not always guarantee victory, but rather a force that is willing to adapt will be victorious in the end. The Army Reserve needed to grow leaner, stronger and more relevant.
These changes have not been easy. We’ve taken 10 Regional Readiness Commands (RRCs) and realigned them into four Regional Readiness Sustainment Commands (RRSCs), allowing more manpower to be put back into the fighting force. We have established operational and functional commands to reduce the number of non-deployable headquarters. We have created Army Reserve Expeditionary Force (AREF) packages that support the Army's Force Generation Model (ARFORGEN).
We are no longer a strategic force that will stay “in reserve” until needed to supplement active force during a time of major conflict. The Army Reserve is an operational, inactive-duty force, integral to the world’s best Army, complementing the joint force with skill-rich capabilities.
All of these organizational transformations are occurring as we continue to fight the Global War on Terror. Your ability to adapt during this unprecedented time proves again the quality of our All-Volunteer Army.
It also proves your dedication to our Nation’s call to duty, to protect our country from those who would destroy the freedoms and rights we hold dear. More Army Reserve Soldiers than ever before now wear a battle patch on their right sleeve, having served courageously and honorably when called to active duty. Since 9/11, over 150,000 Army Reserve Soldiers have answered the call to duty by being mobilized, with more than 25,000 answering the call at least twice. These are clearly hallmarks of heroes. We are no longer "Army Reservists” -- we are Army Reserve Soldiers!
This call to duty is not an easy call to answer. I respect the willingness of you, the Warrior-Citizen, to serve. You, our Army Reserve Soldiers, serve around the world, in harsh conditions, away from your families, your communities, sacrificing self for the safety and security of this nation.
One cannot recognize the call to duty or mention heroes without taking a moment to remember the only American Soldier missing in Iraq, Army Reserve Sergeant Keith “Matt” Maupin. Sergeant Maupin was captured by insurgents on April 9, 2004, after his fuel convoy came under attack near the Baghdad International Airport. He continued to answer the call to duty.
His family also continues to answer the call to duty – serving faithfully and without reservation, working with the Yellow Ribbon Support Center they founded in his home state of Ohio to support Soldiers and their families. We must never forget our brother who is not able to be with his family today – we will live the Warrior Ethos:
- I will always place the mission first.
- I will never accept defeat.
- I will never quit.
- I will never leave a fallen comrade.
To all of you, our Soldiers, your families, and the civilian workforce that supports our missions, thank you for serving our nation in the Army Reserve. Thank you for answering that call and being a part of the best Army in the world.
Happy Birthday, Army Reserve.
Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly
Chief, Army Reserve
Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command
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